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Steinhoff seeks to delay debt claims

South African-based Steinhoff International is in negotiations with creditors to stave off debt claims for three years, while the company restructures its significant debt.

The company has signalled the beginning of a consent process for a lock-up agreement; a major componentof the company’s restructuring plans.

“The launch of the LUA (lock-up agreement) marks the culmination of several weeks of discussions with the ad hoc committees of third party creditors…and represents an important step in the restructuring process,” Steinhoff said in a statement.

As part of the consent process, creditors have the choice to back the plan, determining whether the lock-up agreement goes forward or, if sufficient creditor support is not obtained by July 20, the Steinhoff board will need to reassess its options.

Should the lock-up agreement go forward the company will implement its restructuring plan within three months; the terms of which will remain in place for three years.

The deadline for the lock-up agreement was initially June 30, but was extended to allow creditors more time to respond.

In addition, Steinhoff noted that interest owed to creditors would not be paid until the lock-up agreement becomes effective.